The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has confirmed that Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede and Nasarawa United striker Anas Yusuf will be formally honoured in Abuja on September 2.
The pair were initially due to be recognised earlier in the summer, but their commitments with the CHAN Eagles pushed back the ceremony.
According to NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, the recognition aligns with the board’s policy of rewarding excellence.
“We have consistently rewarded our best club richly and the highest goal scorers and best performing coach in conjunction with our investment partner, GTI Assets Management,” Elegbeleye said.
Yusuf finished as top scorer in the 2024/25 season with 18 goals, while Ogunmodede guided Remo Stars to their first-ever league title in a historic campaign. Each will receive ₦1.5 million and a commemorative plaque.
The announcement comes months after the NPFL clashed with the organisers of the Eunisell Golden Boot, a private award that had been running since 2018. The league disowned the initiative, branding its use of NPFL’s name unauthorised. That decision forced Yusuf to withdraw from the Eunisell event, despite being due ₦3.6 million from the private sponsors.
Finidi George Eyes Redemption with Rivers United
Rivers United coach Finidi George has vowed his team will avoid last season’s errors after finishing seven points behind champions Remo Stars. The Pride of Rivers began their 2025/26 campaign with a 1-1 draw against the champions.
“We know what’s at stake, we know where we slipped last season. I don’t think we will make that mistake this season,” Finidi said. “We will fight for every point. That’s our focus this season… with what we’ve seen from the players, it’s going to work out well.”
The former Super Eagles boss led Rivers United to a second-place finish last term with 64 points.
NPFL Lifts Suspension on Adeyinka
The NPFL has lifted the suspension of goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka, who had been sidelined over alleged betting offences.
Davidson Owumi, the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, confirmed in a letter that Adeyinka was free to register for any club this season, although investigations into the matter would continue.
“For the benefit of fair hearing and not to put your career in jeopardy, the suspension placed on your registration in the NPFL has been lifted,” Owumi wrote.
Adeyinka, who has consistently maintained his innocence, explained in a Facebook post that he insisted on evidence-based clauses in his new contract negotiations after his controversial exit from Plateau United.
His case highlights growing scrutiny on integrity within the NPFL, especially after recent match-fixing allegations involving Lobi Stars.
Nduka Seals Move to Iraq
Remo Stars captain and home-based Super Eagles defender Junior Nduka has completed a permanent transfer to Iraqi side Erbil FC.
The 24-year-old centre-back, who played every minute of Nigeria’s 2024 CHAN campaign, signed a three-year deal with the Middle Eastern outfit.
Nduka’s exit follows a wave of departures from Remo Stars after their title-winning season, including goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, forward Sikiru Alimi, and midfielder Seun Ogunribide.
Niger Tornadoes Seek Strong Start
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes coach Majin Mohammed has challenged his side to rise to the occasion in their season opener against Nasarawa United.
“We are not happy that this game is going to be decided outside our home venue,” Mohammed admitted ahead of the fixture in Ilorin. “But we are used to playing home games away from home, so this is not any different and we are going to approach it like any other game.”
Note that both teams shared a goalless draw in the same encounter last season.
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